"We extend the thoughts and prayers of the congregation of First AME Church of Los Angeles to the Christopher Family in the passing of former U. S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, a great American public servant, and an extraordinary member of the Los Angeles community.  Warren Christopher was a skillful negotiator and accomplished lawyer whose career spanned five decades. He was an important member of our community here in Los Angeles, we pause to pay tribute to him and thank God for the many years of service that he gave in support of helping the community around him. The Independent Commission on the Los Angeles Police Department, informally known as the Christopher Commission, was formed in July 1991, as a result of the Rodney King beating, by then-mayor of Los Angeles Tom Bradley. It was led by attorney Warren Christopher (who later became U.S. Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton) in this role he helped to bring healing to the City of Los Angeles and assisted in ushering in a new era of accountability in the Los Angeles Police Department."

--Reverend Dr. John J. Hunter
Senior Minister 
First AME Church of Los Angeles.